Do you have gum disease?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can extend to the bone that surrounds and supports the teeth. Gum diseases are caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth. If not removed through daily regularly cleaning, plaque can build up. Bacteria in the plaque can then infect not only your gums and teeth causing gum diseases. This can cause teeth to become loose leading to tooth loss. Gum disease around dental implants can lead to dental implant failure. Gum disease can cause gaps between teeth. Gum disease can present as toothache.
Risk Factors of Gum Diseases
Some conditions, if present, would increase your risk of gum diseases. It is possible to develop gum disease with or without the risk factors. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing gum diseases.
- Smoking,
- Diabetes,
- Underlying immune deficiencies,
- Poor oral hygiene,
- Crooked teeth, and
- Defective fillings increase the risk of gum disease.
Female hormonal changes caused by puberty and pregnancy increase the chance of gum bleeding and gum diseases. Taking certain medicines can increase your risk of developing gum disease. These include birth control pills, antidepressants, heart medicines, and Immunosuppressant medicines
Stages of gum disease
Gum diseases can occur at any age, but it is most common among adults. Early in the disease, you may only experience gum bleeding or bad breath that won't go away. You may also notice that your gum pulls away from your teeth causing. Later on, your teeth will be loose and sensitive. Your teeth may not fit together when you bite and if you use a partial, it may not fit as it used to do.
Warning signs of gum disease
Gum disease can occur at any age, but are most common among adults. If detected in early stages, a gum disease can be reversed. So call us promptly if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Bad breath or bad taste that won't go away,
- Red or swollen gums,
- Tender or bleeding gums,
- Painful chewing,
- Loose teeth,
- Sensitive teeth,
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth,
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite, and
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
Treatment of gum disease is very effective in most cases, especially when done early. Modern trends of gum treatment have significantly increased success rates.
Take action now; schedule an appointment for professional dental cleaning and examination. Keep your routine six month cleaning on schedule. Brush and floss your teeth at home. And always remember that gum bleeding is not normal.